NFL Checked Out the Packers in 2007 for “Bounty Rule”

The Saints weren’t the only team to be investigated by the NFL for violations of the league’s “bounty rule” in recent years according to Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. The Packers were investigated in 2007 for lesser infractions and wound up suffering no punishment after agreeing to discontinue their actions.

In 2007, Packers players reportedly offered to pay the team’s defensive linemen $500 each if they were able to hold Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson under 100 rushing yards and the Carolina Panthers under 60 rushing yards as a team.

Reportedly, the league investigated the Packers at the time for possible violations of both the illegal incentive program and the “bounty rule,” which prohibits players from placing a bounty on opponents that could lead to unnecessary violent acts.

Ultimately, the league did not enact any punishments. At the time, league spokesman Greg Aiello said, “The club has handled the matter with the players, and the incentive pool has been discontinued.”